deficit

[def-uh-sit, dih-fis-it] / ˈdɛf ə sɪt, dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

NOUN

shortage of something needed, required

Synonyms

STRONGEST

loss shortfall

STRONG

arrears defalcation default deficiency dues inadequacy insufficiency lack paucity scantiness shortcoming

WEAK

dead horse due bill in hock in the hole in the red insufficience red ink underage

Antonyms

STRONG

abundance adequacy advantage enough perfection plenty satisfaction success sufficiency

WEAK

excess superfluousness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In fact, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit an all-time high in 2025.

From MarketWatch

The strong GDP reading got a big assist from a decline in the U.S. trade deficit.

From MarketWatch

In short, the federal budget deficit could balloon in the first four months of next year, sparking higher bond yields and a stock market pullback, said Yardeni.

From MarketWatch

A final concern is that rising bond yields in Japan will draw domestic savings home instead of going to the U.S. to finance the American budget deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal

China’s dramatic pullback External link in its purchasing of U.S. soybeans and other food products has contributed to the $50 billion agricultural trade deficit forecast for this year, the largest in modern U.S. history.

From Barron's

deficit

Example Sentences

Related Words